Bastille Day Blog

While planning your summer trip to France, include Bastille Day. This national holiday is filled with parades, feasts, and fireworks – so no matter where you’re traveling in France, you’ll find plenty of celebration! July 14th marks Bastille Day, the day Bastille (a prison) was stormed at the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789. This event is particularly significant to the French because it was the beginning of the end of absolute power by the King. All future governments have been limited by separation of power. During this time, the tri-colored flag also appeared, representing liberty, equality, and fraternity. Of the 11 official French holidays, several remember major historical events, such as Armistice Day and World War II Victory Day. Others mark events of religious importance, including the Assumption of Mary, All Saints Day, Whit Monday, and Ascension Day. But, none are as widely celebrated as Bastille Day – the best of all French holidays! Celebrate Bastille Day in Style

Bastille Day is commemorated with parades, feasts, festivals, and plenty of red, white, and blue decorations. You’ll find the most pomp in Paris with a huge military parade, fighter jet demonstrations, floats, and many marching bands. The hub of activity is in Champs Elysees with the parade stretching from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde. Once the sun sets, you’ll want to move toward the Eiffel Tower to catch the fireworks extravaganza. While Paris may host the largest jubilee, there’s plenty of Bastille Day revelry throughout France. Visit Annecy if you’d like to see the fireworks against the backdrop of the beautiful French Alps. Or, select Carcassonne and you’ll find yourself in the middle of Festival de la Cite, a month-long celebration of music and theatre. Whichever Bastille Day festivities you choose, we can take the stress out of planning the celebration. Contact us to pick your tour, or we can customize a package just for you. Make your trip to France one you’ll never forget!